Diffusing Essential Oils For Pets
By Dr Jeannie (Jeanette) Thomason

Diffusion of *essential oils into the air of an enclosed space (such as a house, kennel or aviary) is popularly called aromatherapy.
* The only essential oils I recommend and use personally for myself and my own animals are Young Living Essential Oils. Please go read WHY – HERE

Because the highly aromatic, sweet-smelling molecules of the essential oils are literally breathed into the body, at which point they trigger numerous immune boosting, healing, relaxation or stimulation responses depending upon the specific oils being inhaled.

Dr. Valnet points out that “whether applied directly, or inhaled, essentials oils have virtually the same therapeutic impact on the body”. Dr. Gary Young points out that “the body’s response time to inhalation of essential oils can be as quick as one to three seconds!” This is why, for many people and the treating of household pets, inhalation is the preferred method of use of the essential oils.

Inhalation of essential oils allows the oil to enter the bloodstream via the lungs, (The lungs govern the immune system) and they then enter the blood stream and are then metabolized in the liver.

Moreover, when oils are diffused in a home, kennel or aviary, they purify the air itself by removing toxins, metallic particles and other harmful microscopic debris. They also increase the atmospheric oxygen of the air, and boost levels of beneficial ozone and negative ions which, dramatically inhibit the growth and reproduction of airborne pathogens. Further, as the odorous molecules drift to the various surfaces of each room (ie., ceilings, floors, walls, tiling etc.), they rapidly kill virtually all pathogenic bacteria, rifles, molds and fungi they come into contact with. And lastly, they completely destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, and more.

Essential oils can be diffused into the air in a number of ways.

During summer months when you have a fan or air conditioner running, one of the simplest ways to diffuse is to put a few drops of your favorite oil onto a tissue and secure the tissue next to the air vent or the fan cage so that the air blows across it. The blowing air then circulates the aromatic molecules of the essential oil throughout your house or kennel, and your pets (and yourself)breathe them in as you go about your normal daily activities.

Some find a favorite method of diffusing, (if only because of its simplicity and being inexpensive) is to take a 4 oz. or 6 oz. “mister” or spray bottle such as you’d use to mist house plants. Fill the mister with distilled or spring water, add 15 or 20 drops of essential oil, shake well, and then walk through your home and/or kennel briefly “misting” each room or area with the solution as you go.

Cold Air Diffusion
Perhaps the most popular and effective method of diffusing oils is to buy a product called a Cold Air Diffuser, which sprays an ultra-fine mist of the essential oil of your choice into the air. The millions of misted particles sprayed from a diffuser are so fine they can hang in the air of your space (home, etc.) literally for hours, spreading from room to room via the normal air circulation that occurs as you walk through your house and/or kennel.

*** NOTE: Always use cold diffusion.

NEVER HEAT ESSENTIAL OILS.
Heat will alter the chemistry, rendering them therapeutically useless.

When essential oils are diffused, the molecules are broken up into micro-fine mist particles. These mist particles stay suspended in the air for long periods of time. Not only does this reduce bacteria, mold and odors in the air, but these micro-mist particles also benefit those who inhale them.

Diffused oils don’t just mask odors; they actually alter the structure of the molecules that create odors – rendering them harmless! They also increase the available oxygen in the room and produce negative ions.

Research at Weber State University shows that diffusing essential oils destroys airborne micro-organisms. Diffusing is so effective that many hospitals in England and France diffuse essential oils daily to keep incidences of drug-resistant bacteria low and to keep the air free from micro-organisms.

Research also shows that cold-air diffusing certain oils may:

Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.
Relax the mind and body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity.
Dispel odors.
With all these benefits, it makes sense to start using a diffuser today.

With the threat of super bugs growing ever more resistant to vaccines and antibiotics, our pets becoming infected as well as us humans, diffusing essential oils makes more and more sense. It simply is the ultimate home health care defense against life-threatening organisms.

Click Here to read how Therapeutic grade essential oils are being shown through recent research to act as a natural antibiotics. With all of the news about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) incidents increasing, here’s some food for thought about the alternatives offered by nature since the garden of Eden days.

While diffusing essential oils will not stop an animal or even a person from being infected outside of the home, it does create an infectious free zone of air within the home you can use to protect your loved ones. Breathing air diffused with essential oils attacks any virus or bacteria lining the respiratory tract which may have been inhaled outside of the infectious free zone. It also keeps the infection from spreading to other family members

Diffusing oils into a room with a sick pet or human family member with a cold or flu can actually cut their downtime by half or more! According to the experts, recovery can be accelerated by as much as 70%! And regular diffusion of essential oils can practically eliminate the normal change-of-season bouts with colds or flu. According to Dr.Valnet, “Many essences (e.g. cinnamon, pine, thyme, lemon) have marked effects on influenza, and human patients that have been treated with these essences seem to get through the winter without trouble.”

By way of personal experience with these amazing essential oils, we have found them to offer much in the way of additional therapeutic benefits, going way beyond their powerful immune boosting and anti-microbial properties. For example, simply letting my dogs smell the essential oil of lavender right out of the bottle can almost instantly relax them and I have been able to knock out a stubborn sinus headache within 60 to 90 seconds inhaling the lavender and some peppermint.

Smelling the essential oil of eucalyptus for just several minutes helps to open clogged nasal passages and clear up sinus congestion like magic. And smelling the essential oil of peppermint for several minutes will usually completely eliminate acid indigestion and heartburn.

We have also personally discovered that the essential oils of birch or helichrysum will often completely alleviate knee and joint pains when applied directly to the painful area on the dog(or yourself). I have even applied these oils to my husband’s back (he is a chronic pain patient after many back operations) and they have helped when he is in so much pain that even his prescribed pain meds are not helping. That’s because both of these oils have chemical constituents that are anti-inflammatory and analgesic, in addition to their oxygenating, immune-boosting and anti-microbial properties!

Other essential oils, such as rose, lavender, Frankincense and ylang ylang can be rubbed into the area of the back and pelvic area, up and down the spine, just before bedtime if you suffer from insomnia or have a restless dog that does not want to “wind down”. Diffuse them near your bird if it anxious, stressed or phobic. Their amazing calming and relaxing effects practically guarantee a sound nights sleep. And again, you and your pets receive these benefits on top of all of the other powerful anti-pathogenic, immune-boosting, cell-nourishing, body oxygenating and health-enhancing properties of the oils!
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Aroma’s effect on the brain
The Japanese have a long tradition of using aroma, and they have much respect for it. In 1985 research into the mind-altering effects of essential oils was started in Japan by Dr Shizuo Torii who, by measuring brain waves, showed that some aromas can have a stimulating effect and some can have a relaxing effect.

Japan’s third largest construction company, the Shimizu Corporate, has specialist engineers who incorporate aroma systems into the new ‘intelligent’ building which use aroma to improve efficiency and relieve stress. In one bank, designed by the company, lavender or rosemary are diffused into the customer areas, while lemon or eucalyptus are used to keep workers alert at their VDUs. Commercial diffuser systems are capable of pumping different aromas into the atmosphere at different times of the day, to relax or stimulate as required.

Another Japanese construction company, Kajima Corporation, blend appropriate fragrances which are diffused into different areas of the building, taking into consideration the time of day and the male-female ratio of any one department. While lavender and rose combination created a calming, stress-relieving and blood-pressure reducing effect for general purposes, the after- lunch drowsiness is combated by fragrance of lemon and jasmine, which have a refreshing and reviving effect. Many combinations of aroma are possible and the effects appear similar on our pets as they do on us!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What Are the Most Effective Oils to Diffuse?
Lemon
Melaleuca alternifolia
Eucalyptus globulus
Ravensara
Lavender
Rosewood And blends, such as:
Purification
Citrus Fresh
Thieves
ImmuPower
Peace & Calming

Other essential oils can be diffused for different effects. For example, frankincense and lavender can soothe and calm. The blend, ‘Peace & Calming’ can help settle down an excited puppy or bird with anxiety. Joy, along with Peace & Calming, or lavender are often used for their calming and emotionally balancing effects. Purification, lemon or Thieves blend purify the air and neutralize mildew, cigarette smoke, synthetic fragrances and kill airborne bacteria and viruses.

A WORD OF CAUTION IN USING EOs WITH CATS:
Cats are known to be deficient in their ability to eliminate compounds through hepatic glucuronidation (they lack enzyme glucuronyl tranferases). Glucuronidation is an important detoxification mechanism present in most animals except cats. Lack of this important detoxification mechanism in cats may result in slower elimination and thus build up of the toxic metabolites in the body causing toxicity problems. While many of the Young Living Essential Oils have been used successfully with cats; I recommend you diffuse and do not apply neat unless under the supervision of a qualified animal aromatherapist.

When diffusing oils specifically for your cat, try not to use excessive amounts of essential oil, and choose oils which have lower volatility’s as far as possible. In addition, ensure good air circulation especially during the diffusion process, so that local concentrations of essential oil vapor are not built up in non-airchanged areas inhabited by the cat. Make sure your cat can get to ‘un-diffused’ air at any time if possible, and only diffuse in an individual room if cat does not have access i.e. make it a multi-room location. Toxicology studies show that the feline liver usually needs 48 hours to process and excrete ‘terpenes’, thus allow 48 hours between end of last diffusion and starting another to avoid repeated exposure by inhalation.

Copyright 2003 -2009 This article is the sole property of Dr Jeanette (Jeannie) Thomason and The Whole Dog. It cannot be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the expressed written consent of the author.

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Young Living’s Essential Oil Diffuser gives you the benefit of diffusing essential oils throughout your home, office or kennel. Diffusing is a simple and effective way to use essential oils. With Young Living’s innovative air pump, oils are dispersed in a micro-fine vapor, allowing them to remain suspended in the air for extended periods of time. The diffuser disperses the oils without heating them so they retain their therapeutic benefits. When inhaled, the oils are easily absorbed through the lungs. Depending on the oil used, diffusing can cleanse the air of odor, remove airborne toxins, calm overactive or stressed pets, and support respiration.

Complete Diffuser Set:
Essential Oil Diffuser – Bronze Order Code #3660
Essential Oil Diffuser – Green Order Code #3662
Essential Oil Diffuser – Silver Order Code #3661
Customer Price: $131.25
Preferred Customer Price: $115.50
Wholesale: $99.75

Orders can be placed securely through this web site,by becoming a “Free” member
Click HERE to be a member of Young Living
Use Referral and Sponsor # 719671

DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The only oils I use and refer to in ALL my posts, tips and articles is Young Living Essential Oils. I DO NOT use any others and would not state what I do in my posts and articles about any other brands. Buyer Beware!

To order any of the items above you can dial 800-763-9963 Use the Referral/Sponsor # 719671 number, or sign up as a member and order online.

If you need help ordering or becoming an member, email me & I’ll be glad to help you.
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Below are some research references documenting the therapeutic properties of essential oils

Carson CF, et al. “Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia.” J Appl Bacteriol. 1995;78(3):264-9. Compendium of Olfactory Research. Edited by Avery N. Gilbert. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing,

Benencia F, et al. “Antiviral activity of sandalwood oil against herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2.” Phytomedicine. 1999;6(2):119-23

Bernardis LL, et al. “The lateral hypothalamic area revisited: ingestive behavior.” Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 20(2):189-287 (1996).

Bilgrami KS, et al. “Inhibition of aflatoxin production & growth of Aspergillus flavus by eugenol & onion & garlic extracts.” Indian J Med Res. 1992;96:171-5. Bradshaw RH, et al. “Effects of lavender straw on stress and travel sickness in pigs.” J Altern Complement Med. 1998;4(3):271-5.

Brodal A., “Neurological Anatomy in Relation to Clinical Medicine”. New York: Oxford University Press, 1981.

The matter of what exactly goes on in the mind of a dog is a tricky one, and until recently much of the research on canine intelligence has been met with large doses of skepticism. But over the last several years a growing body of evidence, culled from small scientific studies of dogs’ abilities to do things like detect cancer or seizures, solve complex problems (complex for a dog, anyway), and learn language suggests that they may know more than we thought they did.

Read the entire article HERE

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEBER 2009

A dog receives a massage at the Chateau Poochie, the luxury hotel for dogs and cats in Pompano Beach, Fla.
Photograph by: Herald Archive, AFP-Getty Images, Calgary Herald

Announcement:

Canine Massage Exam
November 2009 …….The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM) is pleased to announce that the Canine Massage Examination is now “live” and available.

All 4 examinations are now available for applicants to take, Canine and Equine massage and Canine and Equine acupressure. This is a very important step toward supporting and promoting individuals within the profession and standardizing the profession itself through voluntary meeting of standards. Applicants are encouraged to review the Study Guides for the examinations posted on the NBCAAM website.

Mission Statement:
National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) endeavors to provide examinations that reflect and uphold the highest professional standards of practice for animal acupressure and massage. To that end, the examinations are available to people who have completed specialized animal training programs in either or both disciplines. Upon successful completion of the examination in their chosen discipline, the practitioner will be deemed a knowledgeable and professional animal acupressure or massage practitioner and will be recognized as such by noted professionals practicing in that particular field.

Member Benefits:
As NBCAAM continues to develop member benefits will include: a directory of Nationally Certified Animal Acupressure and Massage Practitioners, listings of advanced training opportunities for the practitioner, narrative examination study guides, sample questions, listing of NBCAAM approved schools, and learning materials for continued study.

Intention:
NBCAAM provides the general pubic, the veterinary community, and other animal healthcare professionals assurance that NBCAAM Certified Practitioners meet the highest professional standards of practice. Biannual Continuing Education is required of all NBCAAM Certified Practitioners. We are taking important strides toward monitoring and increasing the level of professionalism within the animal massage and acupressure disciplines. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary and we are excited to be able to offer this option to people who are serious about enhancing the professional standing of animal massage and acupressure in the United States.

NOTE:
NBCAAM, a not-for-profit organization, was created for the purpose of establishing and upholding professional standards for animal acupressure and massage practitioners. The method by which NBCAAM certifies that a practitioner has met these standards is by developing standardized national certification examinations. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary. Information and the requirements for taking the examinations are available on the website: www.nbcaam.org
Contact: Amy Snow, 888.841.7211, amy@animalacupressure.com

For further information about NBCAAM and FAQs please visit the website. www.NBCAAM.org.

Established in 1979, Wysong Corporation is one of the true pioneers of natural pet foods and holistic pet health care & nutrition.

While Wysong is a producer of “Natural and Holistic” pet food, this re-call only helps make the point in my recent article: Kibble Is Kibble Is Still Kibble

“The following batches of Wysong Canine Diets Maintenance™ and Senior™ have shown above acceptable moisture levels and may contain mold.

Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090617
Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090624
Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090706
Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090720
Wysong Senior™: lot #: 090623

We ask that if you have received any of these Wysong products to please not feed them, and contact Wysong for product replacement.

Email: Wysong@Wysong.net
Subject: Product Replacement

Alternatively, please return or exchange at the store from which you purchased the product. Credit will be issued via our Distributors to the Retailer.

We apologize for the inconvenience.” Wysong

I was told the notice was sent to distributors about a week ago. Information about the recall was just posted to their website yesterday.

September 30, 2009

Nutro Products is pulling some of its puppy food off store shelves because of a production error, ConsumerAffairs.com has learned.

A Nutro customer representative said the company is taking this action because a worker’s plastic hard hat was “sucked” into some machinery on Monday and the bags of puppy food may have plastic in them.

Nutro’s representative said the puppy food involved in this action — distributed to PETCO and PetSmart stores in California and Arizona.

Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/09/nutro_puppy_mix.html#ixzz0Sd8oLrUH

Flower Essences For Our Dogs
by Dr Jeannie Thomason

Flower essences are liquid drops made from individual flower petals, whose vibrational energy (or essence) is transferred to water by a special process. The drops are then taken internally or applied topically. They are not drugs, vitamins or aromatherapy, they are specially prepared extracts of the flower of certain plants that work through energy fields to heal stress and disease from the inside on the vibrational level where energy actully precedes physical manifestations of health.

Flower Essence formulas are designed to harmonize, nourish and enhance healing; they are on the cutting edge of energetic healing. Supporting the emotional balance that underlies true health. Flower essences are useful in restoring harmony and vitality in systems thrown out of order by disease conditions, life changes, emotional events, stress, accidents, or surgeries. They nourish and energize the body’s innate capacity to heal by facilitating ease and re-establishing balance.

Dr Edward Bach, a physician who gave up his busy practive to study and develop 38 different flower essences that still bear his name is considered the Father of Flower Essences. While the original flower remedies were developed for humans, over the years, they have been found to be very helpful with emotional, physical, and behavioral problems in animals.

Animals are particularly responsive to the many forms of subtle energy that surround them, so flower essences, with their gentle vibrations, are extraordinarily effective with animals.

Mental and emotional stress/upset usually has lasting physical effects on health. Since our pets have
an active mental and emotional life, they can also develop behavioral problems such as excessive barking, separation anxiety, abnormal fears, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and inter-animal conflicts. Since many physical dis-eases have their roots in emotional stress and have a deep energetic component, the energy in flower essences can be used to help resolve these imbalances and aid the animal’s recovery.

Some examples of stress related physical health conditions are: vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, urinary tract problems, conjunctivitis, etc. While there may also be underlying physical causes for these dis-eases, acute flare-ups are very brought about due to emotional stress. The use of flower essences will restore and aid the animal’s energy balance, and can often help with the physical problems as well. All physical symptoms usually have an emotional component, and are very sucessfully helped with flower essences engery.

Since flower essences act energetically and actually not physically, they help animals to become more present and centered, to work through challenging situations or transitions, and to be more comfortable. Flower essences are safe and gentle even for newborn puppies and kittens, and can be safely taken with any foods or medications, as they cause no harmful side effects. They are an ideal and easily accessible health resource for use with our pets whether they be working or companion animals, pets in daycare, refuge, shelter or emergency situations. They cannot be overused or misused, and they are compatible with all other treatments, including drugs, surgery, and holistic treatments like herbs and homeopathy. Even if you give the wrong remedy, it will not have any negative effects, but simply no effect.

Flower essences are usually most effective when given in frequent small doses that reinforce the vibrational shifts and cellular communication that they offer.

How to Use Them With Your Animals

Place up to 4 drops of the flower essence on your palm or in a small amount of water to drink and offer it to the animal. Drops may also be placed on nose pads or ear leather. Do not allow the dropper to touch the skin or mouth. The usual dosage for flower essences is four drops four times a day.

While there are Flower Essences that aid in most every need, The Whole Dog recommends the following Flower Essences to keep on hand in every household with dogs:

Bach Rescue Remedy: recommended as an emergency remedy to help calm pets in all kinds of stressful situations. Can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems, such as:
• Visits to the vet
• Fear of loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms, etc)
• Shock, trauma or mistreatment
• Adapting to loss of companion
• Separation anxiety
• Adapting to new surroundings (home, kennel, stable, etc.)
• Obsessive cleanliness or overgrooming, etc.

Pet Essences Travel Flower Essences: Use for a trip across the country or around the corner to the vet. Helps with fears and motion sickness.

Pet Essences Training / Breaking Habits Flower Essences: Use to improve communication between animal and trainer, improve attention, memory, and confidence

Pet Essences Immune System Booster Flower Essences: A combination of flower essences designed to balance the emotional attitudes that present a physical state of disease that could benefit from an immune system boost.

Dogs are smarter than toddlers, IQ tests show Border Collies and other bright canines can learn up to 250 words
By Jeanna Bryner
Live Science
updated 8:45 a.m. PT, Sun., Aug 9, 2009

The canine IQ test results are in: Even the average dog has the mental abilities of a 2-year-old child.

The finding is based on a language development test, revealing average dogs can learn 165 words (similar to a 2-year-old child), including signals and gestures, and dogs in the top 20 percent in intelligence can learn 250 words.

And the smartest? The Story continues HERE

Interestingly, chemical residue buildup in the body may come from both natural and artificial sources. Things like natural or artificial preservatives, fillers and flavorings in the food you are feeding, environmental pollutants, vaccines, medications, chemical wormers, and even non species specific foods such as grains and vegetables.

80% of chronic diseases are caused by toxins in our dog’s environment that have built up in their bodies. Our companion animals are kind of like the old mine canaries, they are just one more indicator that our world is not “as it used to be”. Our soils are depleted and chemically treated. Our dog’s poor bodies (as well as other animals and even our own bodies) are just not getting the nutrients that they should from their food. Mass produced, processed dog foods, household cleaning products, vaccinations, and overall greater stress on the immune system caused by these and other issues are all culprits.

Fortunately, allergies can be effectively treated and the body “de-toxed” with a natural, holistic approach. Be aware, that a conventional veterinarian’s first recommendation will be to put your dog on steroids, this is NOT the best approach for their long term health and does not get to the root of the cause, it only suppresses the immune system. Conventional medicine’s approach is one of treating symptoms rather than causes. With the appropriate diet and complementary natural remedies, you can effectively treat both the symptoms and the cause of allergies.

The most common triggers of allergic reactions in our canine companions are food, fleas, vaccinations and inhalants (things your dog breathes in). Food, over vaccination and fleas are things that we have control over. Environmental triggers such as air pollution or the herbicides used on the grass at your local park are out of our control, but that doesn’t mean the allergies can’t be managed. In all cases, it is best to use a multi-pronged or “holistic” approach which includes a fresh, species appropriate diet along with supplements and herbs to balance the immune system and ease the symptoms.

So, the good news is that our dog’s bodies are up for the fight. They are well designed to naturally perform a daily detoxification as we stop the bombardment of toxins the best we can. The key organs or systems that perform this vital task are the skin, the digestive tract, the lungs, the blood, the lymphatic system, the kidneys, and the liver. When these areas of the body display an allergic reaction, such as with the skin or immune system; this is a clear indicator that the body needs help! Something is overloading this hard working system. The body is sending out the alarm. Sadly, with our canine companions, this is sometimes only evident on the outside, after internal health conditions have persisted for a long time.

What do we do? Most of us just keep switching brands of kibble or eliminating one ingredient at a time or adding more supplements, or more expensive and complicated additives to the diet. If the allergy is caused by just ONE thing this might help. However, with more and more research we see that symptoms may subside initially from the switch, but gradually, the same problems return.

Diet: Dogs with food sensitivities and allergies have had dramatic improvement on a raw food diet. Our wonderful companions are after all, are Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics. The probiotics are especially important for an animal that has been on steroids and antibiotics as they kill the healthy gut flora and set up conditions for the allergies to worsen. If a raw meat and bone diet is not fed daily then it is very important to continue to supplement with this whenever you feed processed food to aid digestion of processed foods

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Supplement with Essential Fatty Acids (preferably wild fish oil) to nourish your companion’s skin and coat and help reduce inflammation. You can increase the dosage above what is recommended on the bottle, but if you see loose stools, then reduce the dosage a bit.

Immune Modulation

Supplements to help modulate the immune system are very helpful in treating allergies.

Detoxification/Elimination Support

Detoxification is essential for any animal that has been treated with multiple courses of medications such as steroids, antibiotics or antihistamines not to mention those fed a dead, processed pet food for any length of time. Detoxing is also a wonderful way of maintaining good health in our pets.

The length of time supplements may be necessary will vary with the severity of the problem,the response of the individual animal and the life changes such diet that are made. Natural supplements, herbs and remedies are not like prescription medications – they may vary in effectiveness from one animal to the next, and in many instances take time to reach full effectiveness, up to several weeks or more.

Relieving the Itch

Herbs and supplements designed to relieve the itchy skin and support skin health are another step in the treatment program for chronic allergies. This can help relieve the stress caused by the discomfort, which is supportive of immune function and healing. In addition, reducing the itch helps in the reduction of secondary infections and allows the skin to heal.

Skin Balance by Health Concerns is an excellent herbal complex for the treatment of itchy skin in dogs The herbs in Skin Balance reduce inflammation and itching as well as boost skin health and assist in the cleansing of the blood.

HomeoPet Skin and Itch Relief, a homeopathic remedy, may be helpful for some animals. This will be more effective once any residual steroids or medications have been cleared from the system. HomeoPet Hot Spots is similar to the Skin and Itch Relief formula, but contains additional remedies to address the red, inflamed or oozing hot spot areas.

Topical Treatments

If your dog has been itching for awhile, they may have created bare, red patches in places that can become infected, so you need to address these areas right away. Here are some products offered at The Whole Dog that can help.

•FidoDerm Herbal Spray•Doc Ackerman’s Instant Hot Spot Relief Spray
•Liquid Hot Spot Remedy (herbal extracts & essential oils)
•Oatmeal Baths

Yes, for pets! the use of Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Herbs & Energy Work are all effective on animals.

I have recently had people contact me that have been using alternative health care products and a proper diet for themselves and their family for quite some time but were just not aware that natural remedies could be used on their pets. I get a myriad of questions such as which natural remedies can be used on dogs, cats, horses, birds, and rodents? Is it true that essential oils really kill cats?
Can I use these essential oils on my budgie? My dog has an infection – is there a natural remedy that can help?

First of all, I want to make it clear that while natural remedies and alternative health care are effective and safe for animals that they should never been seen as the “magic bullet” and cure alls but rather should be always be used in conjunction with a species appropriate diet/proper nutrition which is really the corner stone of health. Natural remedies should be seen and used as support for the immune system, aiding in balancing and enhancing the body’s own innate healing means.

Success Stories Abound
I have seen first hand and have received stories about animals that have been successfully treated with natural remedies:

Birds dosed with homeopathic remedies who survived debilitating viruses; dogs who bounce back from digestive injuries with the use of energy work and liver cleansing; horses with colic that a veterinarian said would have to be put down, but who pulled through after intensive treatment with essential oils;
puppies with Parvo who live to old age and many more.

Alternative medicine can be just as effective for animals as for humans. However, it’s important to remember that natural modalities are potent medicine. We must exercise due caution in using herbs, homeopathic remedies, essential oils and other natural remedies on our pets, just as we would on ourselves or other people. If you don’t have training or experience in the modality you choose to use, please, have a consultation with a holistic veterinarian, homeopathic veterinarian or veterinary naturopath, don’t try to guess and dose on your own.

Sensitive to Smells – and to Energy
Our dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rats, mice, birds, and horses all have a much more acute sense of smell then we humans do. This means they may react especially strongly to remedies like ,essential oils that have a potent aroma. Don’t let this discourage you from using your preferred healing techniques on your pets – but do be aware that you should use less of an essential oil or herb on a cat, mouse, bird or even a dog than you would on yourself.
*Please note: I do not personally use nor recommend any essential oils except Young Living Essential Oils.

In many cases you will want to dilute the essential oils or only diffuse them. I have found that with smaller animals, the bottoms of the feet/paws are the safest place to apply essential oils (pets have reflexology points, too!) and that just diffusing for animals like cats and birds works very well.

The stories about cats dying from exposure to essential oils are a myth. Anecdotal evidence and personal experience have shown that if you use oils from pure, organic sources (Young Living Essential Oils) that have been distilled at only low temperatures, without solvents, from organically grown plants; they are safe to use on cats in small measure. However, please use extreme caution if you are uncertain of the source of an essential oil or how they have been pressed. Adulterated oils are not safe! Please consult with an expert in the use of Essential Oils to make sure you are using the correct oil for the problem.

This sensitivity often extends to hands-on healing and energy work. Our animals are highly attuned to energies. Be gentle with them, and explain what you’re doing and that your intent is only to help. If they react negatively to energy work, pay attention and back off. Most animals will respond very positively to energy work if we pay attention to their reactions.

Tips and Suggestions
Everyday pet problems tend to respond well to simple natural remedies.
Even a beginner can use homeopathic or flower essences of “Rescue Remedy” to treat stress and anxiety their pets, or use essential oils like Thieves to clean up pet odors and bacteria in the home.

Some of the best natural modalities are preventative:
Use a natural pet shampoo without toxic chemicals and made with essential oils;
Give them an herbal supplement that boosts the immune system instead of using poisonous flea & tick products (which have been known to kill both dogs and cats);
Feed them a raw species appropriate raw diet or at the very least, cook for them and avoid processed pet foods.

Incorporating natural products and remedies into your dog’s life and your home can be a great way to respect their health and everyday wellness as you do our own.

© Dr Jeannie Thomason The Whole Dog

Everyone loves a happy ending and I wanted to share this one with you all!

July 09, 2009
By Mark Freeman
Mail Tribune
776-4470
mfreeman@mailtribune.com

AGNESS — Pete Pollard walked up the remote trail through the Lower Rogue River Canyon with the melancholy of a man who knows his one missed oar-stroke killed his daughter’s dog.

The day before, the 57-year-old Talent man miss-rowed while rafting the wild Rogue’s Blossom Bar, pitching himself, two others and two canines into the river for a perilous bounce downstream.

All were rescued within minutes of the accident — except for Ali, a 15-pound Boston terrier. Now, a full day later, it was time to recover the last victim.

“I was looking in the eddies for his body,” Pollard says.

Then a twig snapped just off the trail. And another. “Oh, geez,” Pollard thought. “Now I gotta deal with a bear.”

But out of the bushes popped Ali, still sporting his blue life vest.
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